Antique Pistols and Revolvers

American Hopkins & Allen Arms Company 1870 Patent .41 Cal Rim Fire Single Shot (Colt) 'XL' Derringer with Pivot Octagonal Barrel. Sn 14246 - 14246Hopkins & Allen Arms Company was a U.S. firearms manufacturing company based in Norwich, Connecticut that was founded in 1868 by Charles W. Allen, Charles A. Converse, Horace Briggs, Samuel S. Hopkins and Charles W. Hopkins. The Hopkins brothers ran the day-to-day operations of the company until it went bankrupt in 1916 and was subsequently bought by Marlin-Rockwell. Known as the ‘XL’ range of pistols, these derringers & revolvers were one of many revolvers based on S&W and Colt Patents produced in the 1860’s through to the late 1870s with dynamic or quirky names to attract sales. This is an original .41 Cal Rim Fire ‘XL’ derringer of the type made by Hopkins and Allen similar in design to Colt’s patent derringers. Our ‘XL’ derringer has a nickel plated steel frame with a sheathed trigger. Most of its original nickel plating is present. Its 2 ½” steel barrel pivots for loading which is achieved by depression of a steel button under the frame when the pistol is at half cock. The barrel pivots as it should and is tight. Its rifled bore has staining and residue consistent with age and use. The top of the barrel is signed ‘XL Derringer’ and one of the barrel flats is marked ‘Pat Apr 5 1870’. It has its original American Rosewood grips which are in very good condition and secured with a single recessed brass screw bolt. Its loading and firing actions work perfectly. There are no other external visible numbers or manufacturer’s marks on this piece. NB As an obsolete calibre rim fire derringer no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display, the price includes UK delivery. Sn 14246
£545.00

RARE, American Remington- Elliott 1867 Patent 'Mississippi' Single Barrel Breech Loading .41 Rim Fire Calibre Vest Pocket Derringer. Sn 14245 - 14245William Elliot, an employee of Remington, invented the Remington –Elliott 1867 patent derringer. Known as the Mississippi vest pocket derringer, these derringers were favoured by River Boat gamblers and dealers for self defence. Only approx. 10,000 were made. Our example has a steel frame. The metal work has even patina. The round steel barrel is 2 ½” long and stepped to octagonal at the breech. The derringer measures 5 ¼” overall length. The barrel is .41 RF calibre and the smooth bore has staining and residue consistent with age and use. The derringer has a small bead fore sight. The barrel is marked ‘Remington Ilion NY Elliott Pat Aug 27 1867. The underside of the barrel and frame have matching numbers ‘7773’. There are no other external manufacturer, date marks or numbers on this piece. The undamaged grips are American Rosewood. The derringer’s loading and firing actions work perfectly. NB As an obsolete calibre rim fire derringer no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display, the price includes UK delivery. Sn 14245.
£645.00

SCARCE, American Remington- Elliott 1860 Patent 4 Barrelled Break Action .41 Rim Fire Calibre Derringer With Ring Trigger. Sn 14248 - 14248A scarce Remington-Elliot 4 barrelled ring trigger Derringer in obsolete .32 rimfire calibre. William Elliot, an employee of Remington, invented the Remington –Elliott 4 barrelled 1860 patent derringer. It has a steel frame with 4 barrel cluster. The metal work has even patina. A small sliding lever on the underside of the frame releases the barrel cluster which breaks open for loading. To fire each barrel the ring trigger moves forward to cock the weapon and is pulled back to fire the first round. The system is repeated to fire each chamber which is achieved by means of a rotating firing pin within the action. The loading and firing mechanisms work perfectly. The barrel cluster is 3 ¼” long and the derringer measures 5” overall length. The barrels are .41 RF calibre and the bores have just light staining consistent with age and well defined rifling. The derringer has a small blade fore sight and the rear sights consist of notches in the frame of the derringer. The barrel cluster is faintly engraved to one side "Manufactured by E. Remington & Sons. Ilion N.Y", the other side faintly marked " Elliot's Patents May 29 1860.- Oct 11th 1860". There are no other external manufacturer, date marks or numbers on this piece. The grips are American Rosewood. The bottom edges of the grips have a few nibbles which are only visible on close inspection. Both grips are totally secure. The price for this unusual and desirable 4 shot derringer includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre derringer no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 14248.
£1,175.00

RARE, 1856-1874, American Wild West Era Merwin & Bray New York Single Shot .30 Rim Fire Calibre, Brass Framed Derringer With Octagonal Pivot Barrel. Sn 14247 - 14247The American Joseph Merwin was involved with marketing and manufacturing revolvers as early as 1856. Based in New York City he formed an arms company known as Merwin & Bray. The company ceased trading under that name by 1874. This is an excellent example of the Merwin & Bray derringer which are hard to find. It has a brass frame with even patina & original American Walnut grip which has just the knocks bumps and bruises consistent with age. It has a 3 ¾” octagonal steel barrel & measures 6 ¾” overall. The bore has faint rifling & staining consistent with age & use. It has a sheathed trigger and brass blade foresight. The rear sight consists of a notch in the hammer spur. The top of the barrel is signed by the manufacturer ‘Merwin & Bray New York’. The derringer's loading and firing actions work perfectly. There are no other visible external manufacturer marks or numbers on this piece. The barrel pivots for loading at half cock and the barrel is released for loading by depression of a small steel button on the underside of the action. Price for hard to find Wild West era derringer includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre derringer no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 14247£675.00

American Wild West Era, Ethan Allen’s 1845 Patent Top Bar Hammer .30” Smooth Bore Muzzle Loading Single Shot Derringer. Sn 14241 - 14241The American Gunsmith and inventor Ethan Allen of Worcester Massachusetts held 22 firearms patents in the mid 1800’s. His 16th April 1845 top bar hammer patent was used on derringers, pepperbox pistols and other revolvers by a number of U.S. manufacturer’s. This is an original wild west era Allen’s 1845 patent bar hammer muzzle loading derringer. It has a steel frame, with steel trigger guard and 2 ¼” half round, half octagonal barrel and measures a diminutive 5” overall length. The metalwork has even patina. The barrel is .30” smoothbore. The bore has staining consistent with age and use. Its American Rosewood grip has just knocks bumps and bruises consistent with age. The underside of the barrel and trigger guard are numbered ‘179’. The left side of the hammer is stamped ‘Patented April 16 1845’. There are no other external manufacturer marks visible on this piece. The double action firing mechanism works perfectly. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique muzzle loading derringer no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 14241
£395.00

Victorian, Williams & Powell, Liverpool British Officer’s Private Purchase Short Sea Service Customs/ Revenue .600 Bore Percussion Pistol With Captive Ram Rod & Belt Bar. Sn 14232 - 14232Thomas Williams & Samuel Powell were English Gunsmiths based in Liverpool. Their business was established in 1780 and the Company traded under that name until C1909 (the original partnership lasted until 1846). The original partnership is recorded as having premises at various Liverpool addresses including 10 Pool Lane Liverpool, South Castle Street. Later addresses after 1846 include Thomas Street, Old Hall Street, 25 & 27 South Castle Street, Old Hall Street & Finally C1909 1 Exchange Street West (see page 368 of Brown’s book ‘British Gunmakers Vol. 2’). This is an excellent original Officer’s private purchase, Short Sea Service Customs / Revenue percussion pistol by Williams & Powell. It is 12” overall length with a 6” barrel which is .600" smooth bore. The bore is clean with no pitting. The Walnut stock is excellent with brass furniture & is undamaged with just the bumps & bruises to be expected. It has its original captive ram rod & the barrel has proof marks. The brass butt plate is fitted with lanyard ring. The stock fitted with steel belt bar. The side plate is signed ‘Williams & Powell’. The action functions perfectly. As an antique percussion pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a display or collection. Price includes UK delivery. Sn 14232
£875.00

AS FOUND UN-MESSED WITH, RARE, Victorian English C1860’s Patrick Of Liverpool .700” Bore Percussion Holster Pistol To The Liverpool River Police. Sn 14055 - 14055The River Mersey has borne silent witness to much over the years, non more so than during the American Civil War, the North of England supported the Confederacy due to its reliance on the Cotton producing South. So in addittion to the normal lawlessness one would associate with a Seaport the size of Liverpool, there was the intrigue associated with the support of the Confederate States of America (The CSA Embassy was in Rumford Place, Liverpool 2) including the Smuggling of General goods and the illegal transportation of Gunpowder. At a meeting of the Liverpool Borough Police Watch Committee on the 12th January 1865, upon the recommendation of the Head Constable, the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company agreed to fund a River (Mersey) Police. The River Police was formed in June 1865, with the responsibility of patrolling the river itself. Its initial strength consisted of one Inspector, three Sergeants and thirteen Constables. The main duties of the New Force related to the movement of Cargo and Policing of general movement of Seamen, Cargo and Explosives. Volatile Explosives and ammunition would be removed by the River Police and would be taken to the Magazines at New Brighton. Although a part of the Borough Police, the officers of the River Police wore a separate distinctive Badge and collar dogs. These would be worn on a Naval style double breasted reefer coat. The main working uniform of men was normal uniform issue trousers and a thick Naval Pullover with the Police logo and in some instances the officers number thereon. The role of the River Police was a dangerous one as the duties entailed weaving in and out of the shipping lanes, boarding moving boats and the rescue of persons in distress. This is a rare .700” bore percussion holster pistol marked to the Liverpool River Police. It is 15 ½” overall with a 9" round steel barrel. The barrel has black powder proof marks and it has a clean smooth bore with no pitting. It has a heavy Dolphin hammer and brass furniture. The side plate is engraved by the manufacturer 'Patrick Warranted' (Jeremiah Patrick was an English Liverpool based Gunsmith between 1795-1814. The business was then taken on by Edward Patrick between 1814-1820 & finally by Ann Patrick into the mid 1800’s. The top of the barrel is crisply engraved ‘River Police Liverpool’ and one side of the brass butt cap is engraved ‘B/17’ (weapon number or Police designation). The pistol is as found and un-messed with. As is common with these pistols its ram rod is absent. The metal has no damage and even patina. The wood has just the knocks bumps and bruises to be expected with age and service use. The price for this nicely marked historic River Police pistol includes UK delivery. NB As an antique percussion pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 14055
£1,450.00

Victorian, English 1840-1850 John Cunningham, Manchester 20 Bore, Percussion Police Pistol With Silver Shield Escutcheon To No.5 Division, Cheshire Constabulary With Belt Bar & Octagonal Barrel. Sn 14054 - 14054John Cunningham was an English Gunmaker with premises at 3 Broad Street Pendleton & Quay Steet, Manchester between 1840 & 1850. This is an original Victorian, Mid 1800's Victorian, Police percussion pistol by Cunningham. It is 12” overall length with a 6” browned octagonal barrel which is 15.66mm muzzle diameter (approx. 20 Bore). The smooth bore is clean with no pitting. The barrel has a small brass blade fore sight. The Walnut furniture is a nice deep brown with chequered grip and steel furniture. The wood is undamaged with just the bumps & bruises to be expected with age and service use. It has its original wood ram rod with threaded end and brass cap. The side plate is marked 'Cunningham Manchester'. The top of the wrist has a nice inlaid silver shield escutcheon crisply engraved '5 Divn Cheshire Constabulary'. The action functions perfectly. Price for this sought after Police percussion pistol includes UK delivery. NB As an antique percussion pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a display or collection. Sn 14054
£1,450.00

QUALITY, C1840 English William Parker London Constabulary Pattern .577” Regulation Bore Percussion Uniform / Overcoat Pistol With Octagonal Barrel To Holborn Police Office Lambeth (London). Sn 14061 - 14061The gunsmith William Parker (1722-1841) is recorded as having premises at various premises in London between1793 & 1841 including 233 High Holborn, Chamber Street and Glass House yard. His Sons continued the business after his death in 1841 and the company later became the prestigious Parker Field, makers of quality firearms and edged weapons, many of which were supplied to the British Military & Police (see page 190 of Browns book ‘British Gunmakers Volume 1’ ). This is a fine quality William Parker of London Percussion Overcoat Pistol. Made around 1840, this is the type of pistol made by Parker and later Parker Field, that was routinely carried by Victorian Police Officers in London. It is a sturdy, heavy 4 1/2" octagonal barrelled pistol with smooth bore. It measures 8 ½” overall length. The bore is excellent, clean with no pitting. The top barrel flat is crisply marked ‘Holborn Police Office Lambeth’ (London). The stock is made from rich English Walnut with brass furniture. It has its original wood ram rod with horn end cap. The lock is engraved 'W.Parker' and the action with heavy Dolphin hammer and foliate engraved decoration works perfectly. The action has a safety bolt which operates at half cock. This is an excellent Victorian English Police pistol to a named Police Office by a quality maker. The price includes UK delivery. NB. As an antique percussion pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 14061
£1,450.00

Victorian, 1844 English Enfield Tower Short Sea Service Customs/ Revenue .550 Bore Percussion Pistol Weapon Number 12 Converted from Flintlock With Captive Ram Rod & Belt Bar. Sn 14060 - 14060This is an excellent original Victorian, Short Sea Service Customs / Revenue percussion pistol by Enfield. It is 12” overall length with a 6 inch barrel which is .550" smooth bore. The bore is clean with no pitting. The Walnut stock is a nice deep brown with brass furniture & is undamaged with just the bumps & bruises to be expected. It has its original captive ram rod & the barrel has crisp ordnance / proof marks. The brass butt plate is fitted with lanyard ring and The butt plate tang is engraved with armoury weapon number '12'. The stock fitted with belt bar. The side plate is marked ‘Tower’ (Enfield) with Crown VR (Victoria Regina) and dated ‘1844’. The action functions perfectly. As an antique percussion pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a display or collection. Price includes UK delivery. Sn 14060
£1,175.00